NCJ Number
207503
Date Published
September 2003
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This report discusses findings from a project initiated in 2003 by the National Institute of Corrections, Information Center exploring the prevalence and scope of corrections and public health collaboration.
Abstract
Corrections and public health agencies have a mutual interest in addressing inmates’ medical and mental health problems. In 2003, the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Information Center initiated a study focusing on the partnerships which provided medical and mental health care for prison inmates during their term of incarceration and/or in preparation for their release. NIC mailed surveys to department of corrections (DOC's) in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the United States territories, select large municipal governments, and the Federal Governments of both the United States and Canada. Responses were received from 49 jurisdictions, including 43 State DOC's, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Correctional Service Canada, and agencies in Cook County, IL, Philadelphia, PA, New York City, and the District of Columbia. Results offer an initial map of the ways corrections and public health agencies are working together to achieve related goals. The findings suggest considerable diversity in the purpose and scope of these collaborations and give agencies a window into new ideas being implemented. The results of collaboration can be beneficial to both agencies, to inmates and released offenders, as well as communities at large. Appendixes